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Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan

Summary

Exercise normal safety precautions in Kazakhstan. Use common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour. Monitor the media and other sources for changes to local travel conditions.

Terrorism is a threat. Past attacks targeted public transport, transport hubs and other public places. Further attacks are possible and could target foreigners. Be alert. Follow the advice of local authorities. See
Safety and security

Australia has a Consulate in Kazakhstan, headed by an Honorary Consul, which provides limited consular services. The Australian Embassy in Moscow provides full consular assistance to Australians in Kazakhstan. See
Where to get help

Entry and exit

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Australian Government cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

Visas

If your stay is for 30 days or less, you won't need a visa to enter Kazakhstan.

For longer stays, you'll need to get a visa before you travel. Get the appropriate visa for the purpose of your visit. Check the validity dates for your visa and any restrictions before travelling.

Penalties for visa infringements or overstaying include fines, imprisonment and deportation.

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) can change at short notice. Contact the nearest
Embassy or Consulate of Kazakhstan for up-to-date information.

If you plan to stay for more than three months, you'll need a valid medical certificate of a negative HIV test.

You'll be issued a migration card (white slip) on entry. Keep this card in your passport – you'll need it to exit, check into hotels and for any official business. The migration card must contain two stamps. If you are not issued a migration card on entry or your migration card contains only one stamp, contact the nearest Migration Police office.

Declare all prescription medication and other restricted items on arrival. If you fail to declare, or if the quantity held exceeds legal limits, you could face charges.

Children travelling alone or with one parent/guardian require a letter of consent for travel signed by both parents.

Money

The local currency is the Kazakh Tenge (KZT). Declare all amounts in excess of USD10,000 on arrival and departure. Only change your foreign currency for KZT at authorised commercial banks and exchange bureaux.

The economy is cash-based but travellers cheques and credit cards are accepted at large hotels catering to foreigners. Credit cards are widely accepted in Astana and Almaty.

Safety and security

Crime

Theft, pickpocketing, purse snatching and assaults can occur on public transport, in parks, shopping areas, open markets (including the Green Market in Almaty), restaurants and near major tourist hotels and nightclubs, especially in the Almaty region. The risk of crime increases at night.

There are reports of foreign travellers being drugged and robbed in nightclubs and bars in Almaty.

The expatriate community in Atyrau and Aktau in western Kazakhstan has been the target of violent attacks and muggings in the past.

Carjackings have been reported.

Thieves posing as police officers or unsolicited 'meet-and-greet' drivers at airports have robbed travellers. Official taxi drivers and police officers have identification.

Carry only what you need. Leave other valuables, including your passport, in a secure location.

Avoid walking alone at night.

Never leave your drinks or food unattended.

Don't accept food, drinks, gum or cigarettes from strangers or new acquaintainces.

Pre-arrange your transport, where possible.

Avoid taking unofficial taxis or taxis that have other passengers.

Keep vehicles doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight at all times, including when moving.

If approached by a police officer, taxi driver or official, ask to see their credentials.

Monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Civil unrest and political tension

Demonstrations occur and have the potential to turn violent.

In the past, there have been tensions around the border with Kyrgyz Republic. Security issues could emerge if tensions intensify in the future.

Avoid all large gatherings, protests and demonstrations.

Monitor the media for reports of planned or possible unrest. Avoid affected areas.

Follow instructions from local authorities.

If you're planning to travel between Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic monitor the media and consult local sources for information on any new safety or security risks in the border regions. More information:
Kyrgyz Republic

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat in Kazakhstan. An attack could occur at any time. Targets could include locations popular with foreigners. Attacks can be indiscriminate.

Past terror attacks have resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. Targets have included public transport and other transport hubs, and public places frequented by foreigners.

Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places.

Exercise particular caution around locations known to be possible terrorist targets.

Report any suspicious activity or items to police.

Monitor the media for any new or emerging threats.

Take official warnings seriously.

Follow the instructions of local authorities.

If there is an attack, leave the affected area immediately if it is safe to do so.

Local travel

Travel restrictions

You'll need prior authorisation from the Kazakh government to travel to:

areas along the border with China (Kulzhat and Kargos)

regions around the Gvardeyskiy village, Rossavel village, the Kulzhabashy railway station in Zhambyl Oblast

Bokeyorda and Zhangaly districts in Western Kazakhstan Oblast

the town of Priozersk and Gulshad village in Karagunda Oblast

Baykonur, Karmakshy, and Kazakly districts in Kyzylorda Oblast

any areas where military installations are located.

Border regions

If you plan to travel to areas within 25 kilometres of Kazakhstan's borders, carry personal identification in case you need to present it to the local authorities.

Crossing the land border between Kyrgyz Republic and Kazakhstan by car can be slow. Customs checks can create significant delays.

The border between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan may close temporarily. Contact the Kazakhstan Border Service before travelling.

Road travel

You're four times more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident in Kazakhstan than in Australia. Hazards include poor road conditions and driving standards, insufficient street lighting, pedestrians crossing streets unexpectedly and snow and ice on roads during winter. Cars often don't give way to pedestrians on roads.

In rural areas, animals on roads are an additional hazard. The road between Almaty and Bishkek in Kyrgyz Republic is particularly treacherous. Access to service stations can be limited in rural areas and fuel shortages sometimes occur.

Driving with a blood alcohol level greater than zero is illegal.

Check you have adequate insurance cover before driving.

Familiarise yourself with local traffic laws and practices before driving.

Beware of farm animals on the roads and pedestrians crossing streets without warning.

Driver's licence

You can drive in Kazakhstan with a valid Australian driver's licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP). You must obtain your IDP before departing Australia.

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorcycle, quad bike or similar vehicle. Your policy may not cover you for accidents that occur while using these vehicles. Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use only registered taxis and limousines, preferably those arranged through your hotel.

Public transport

Avoid public transport. The maintenance and safety standards of local buses and mini-buses is poor. Rail travel can be unreliable and dangerous due to petty crime.

Air travel

On 8 December 2016, the European Union (EU) lifted its operating ban on all carriers certified by Kazakhstan regulatory authorities. The European Commission website has a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU.

The Australian Government does not provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths. See the
Aviation Safety Network website for information on aviation safety Kazakhstan.

Dual nationals

Kazakhstan does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit our ability to provide you with consular assistance if you're an Australian-Kazakh dual national and you're arrested or detained.

Kazakhstan may restrict your entry or rescind your Kazakh nationality if authorities become aware of a second nationality.

Nationals of Kazakhstan are required to complete national service obligations. If you're an Australian-Kazakh dual national, you could be required to complete these service obligations if you visit Kazakhstan.

In deciding which passport to travel on, consider the possible implications for your Kazakh citizenship, national service obligations and ability to access Australian consular services if you're arrested or detained.

Local customs

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in Kazakhstan. Same-sex relationships are not illegal but are not widely accepted by society.

Take care not to offend. If in doubt, dress and behave conservatively and seek local advice.

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is expected to occur from early May to early June 2019. During Ramadan, take care to respect religious and cultural sensitivities, rules and customs. In particular, avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public in the presence of people who are fasting.

Health

Travel insurance

Take out comprehensive
travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart.

Regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for your medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs. This can be very expensive and cost you many thousands of dollars upfront.

Confirm:

what circumstances and activities are and are not covered under your policy.

Medication

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some, such as sleeping tablets and medication containing codeine, may be illegal or restricted, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Before you leave Australia, check if your medication is legal in each country you're travelling to and find out if any quantity restrictions or certification requirements apply. Consult your doctor about alternatives well in advance of travel

Take legal prescription medicine with you so you remain in good health. Carry copies of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating what the medicine is, how much you'll take and that it's for personal use only.

Declare all medication on arrival. If you fail to declare restricted medicines, or if the quantity held exceeds legal limits, you could face administrative or criminal charges, even with a doctor's prescription and letter.

Severe weather

A number of people have been killed in snow-related accidents in recent years, including avalanches, snow falling from roofs, prolonged exposure to extreme cold and motor vehicles accidents.

Where to get help

Depending on what you need, your best option may be to first contact your family, friends, airline, travel agent, tour operator, employer or travel insurer. Your travel insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Emergency phone numbers

National emergency number: 112

Police: 102

Firefighting and rescue: 101

Ambulance or medical emergencies: 103.

Always get a police report when reporting a crime.

Tourism services and products

For complaints relating to tourism services or products, contact your service provider directly.

Australian Government

Australia has a Consulate in Kazakhstan headed by an Honorary-Consul. The Consulate provides limited consular services, including conducting passport interviews but excluding notarial services. You can get the full range of consular services from the Australian Embassy in Moscow.